Hitman poses as lawyer, kills gang leader in Courtroom shock

A gunman disguised as a lawyer shot and killed notorious gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne inside a Sri Lankan courthouse. The attacker smuggled a revolver inside a hollowed-out book with help from a female accomplice, who remains on the run.

Police had escorted Samararathne to court for proceedings when the gunman struck. Officers rushed him to the hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. The shooter fled but was later captured. Authorities say he used multiple identities, causing confusion about his exact name.

The attack in Colombo adds to a series of killings linked to gang rivalries. Samararathne, known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, had been in custody since his arrest in September 2023. Police also arrested a policeman and a van driver suspected of aiding the crime.

Officials have identified the female suspect as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi and announced a monetary reward for information on her whereabouts. Lawmakers discussed the growing gang violence issue in parliament, calling it a major security concern.

Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on organized crime. Authorities have tightened courthouse security, deploying armed guards when transporting high-risk individuals. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed these new measures, as armed security was not previously permitted in courtrooms.

With at least nine gang-related killings this year, authorities vow to intensify efforts against organized crime. The attack has sparked renewed urgency in tackling gang violence and ensuring courthouse safety.